Associate Vice President-Animal Resources

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT-ANIMAL RESOURCES

The Associate Vice President for Animal Resources will provide visionary leadership and strategic oversight for UAB's Animal Resources Program (ARP). This role is critical in ensuring the highest standards of animal care and use in research, maintaining rigorous regulatory compliance, and fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.

• Strategic Leadership and Management
  • Serve as a member of the leadership team for the Vice President for Research and work with institutional stakeholders to develop and implement comprehensive strategic plans for animal research, care, and use, ensuring alignment with UAB's institutional research objectives.
  • Provide leadership and strategic direction for the operation and performance of all ARP facilities, resources, personnel, and activities.
  • Assess the strategic need and lead requests for institutional funding for infrastructure projects and major equipment purchases for ARP.
  • Anticipate and address the future needs of the UAB research community, positioning ARP to provide essential animal care support and scientific direction.
  • Oversee UAB’s Animal Resources Program, including animal purchasing, husbandry, veterinary medical care, and financial and business operations.
  • Oversee management of physical assets, including facilities, equipment, and space, ensuring efficient and effective use. Participate in renovation and construction planning within ARP space.
  • Develop and manage budgets, allocate resources, and oversee staffing and training to support ARP's mission.
  • Cultivate a culture of excellence, innovation, and institutional pride among investigators and ARP staff.
  • Evaluate and pursue external funding opportunities (e.g., competitive grants) to support and enhance ARP facilities, equipment, and services.
  • Oversee implementation of new animal management software/systems aligned with UAB’s electronic research administration modernization initiative to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Position UAB as a leader in laboratory animal resource management through strategic initiatives and partnerships.
  • Grow and maintain scientific research as a key part of the ARP culture.
  • Supervise and mentor four to ten direct reports.

• Regulatory Compliance and Accreditation
  • Maintain a deep understanding of regulatory bodies, rules, and regulations governing animal care and use.
  • Serve as a voting member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), providing guidance to ensure regulatory compliance and animal welfare.
  • Ensure adherence to all applicable regulations and standards, including AWAR, PHS Policy, and other animal welfare oversight and accrediting bodies.
  • Ensure compliance with policies and procedures related to the ethical and humane treatment of animals in research, teaching, and testing activities.
  • Lead efforts to maintain AAALAC accreditation, including overseeing preparation for site visits and documentation.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, and manage emergency preparedness plans for ARP facilities.

• Veterinary Care and Welfare
  • Serve as the University Attending Veterinarian, maintaining authority and responsibility for the health and daily care of all laboratory animals at UAB.
  • Provide veterinary medical care and consultation to researchers, ensuring the health and well-being of a diverse range of laboratory animals.
  • Develop and implement emergency response protocols for veterinary issues, ensuring timely and effective care.
  • Manage and mentor veterinary staff, overseeing their development, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
  • Provide guidance on animal research procedures, including anesthesia, surgery, and post-operative care.
  • Ensure the adequacy of the veterinary care program, including clinical, preventive, and emergency care.
  • Provide expert advice and training to principal investigators and laboratory staff to promote understanding and compliance with animal welfare standards.
  • Oversee animal activities for the Birmingham VA Healthcare System.

• Research Support and Collaboration
  • Provide expert…